International students in Canada can now work more hours, thanks to the government’s latest policy update. Learn all the details here.
Canada has announced an increase in the allowable work hours for eligible international students during academic terms, raising the limit from 20 to 24 hours per week. This policy change is designed to enhance students’ opportunities for gaining valuable work experience while still prioritizing their academic commitments.
Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, emphasized that this adjustment will provide students with more flexibility in managing their time and acquiring practical experience.
This decision reflects Miller’s previous comments from October 2022 regarding the significance of practical work experience for international students in skill development and workforce preparation.
He noted the necessity for Canada to explore all options to address its labor shortage, highlighting that allowing international students to work more hours while studying can alleviate urgent needs in various sectors and contribute to both short-term recovery and long-term economic prosperity.
International students are now permitted to work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, enabling them to enhance their earnings without disrupting their studies.
Additionally, the updated regulations allow students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, providing increased employment opportunities while ensuring they can maintain a manageable study schedule.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now mandated to provide biannual reports to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These reports will verify students’ enrollment and academic performance, thereby ensuring adherence to study permit regulations and preserving the integrity of the International Student Program.
The new regulations stipulate that international students must secure approval prior to transferring to another DLI. This measure is intended to ensure compliance with permit conditions and to uphold academic standards across educational institutions in Canada.
In Quebec, eligible international students may work off-campus without needing a separate work permit, provided they fulfill certain criteria. Students must be enrolled full-time in recognized post-secondary, vocational, or professional training programs, or in vocational training at the secondary level, with courses lasting at least six months and leading to a recognized qualification.
Through the implementation of these policies, Canada seeks to improve opportunities for international students while simultaneously addressing labor shortages in critical sectors, thereby fostering a balance between work experience and academic achievement.
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